Weight

chadcollins · Weight

Hey everyone. I was wondering what the average weight is for hot shotting. Do most of you guys stay under the 26,000 lbs or is there not enough money in that. How much money could I gain by doing all the extra licensing and getting my class A? Just wondering what the average hot shotter out there's weight average is?

Thanks for the help!
Chad

JimHolsbeck · RE:Weight

If you are going to do it, I'd say go for the weight over 26,000. it is a bit more hassle, with log books, IFTA, and so on, but in the end, I think it really is worth it. I'm registered in MN for 33,000 (hauling cars only right now, but soon to get a flat instead). In the long run, I think it is easier, because you have less hassle at weigh stations, and should never have to worry about running around them. Even with two 3/4 ton trucks and a mid-size car, I get waved on through the scales all the way from here to CA. I believe that the most you want to put on a one ton on a consistent basis is about 15,000 in pay load, but if you can haul it on a consistent basis, there is more money to be made without sacraficing much in the way of expenses, plus more options for putting a load together.
JIm, Holsbeck Hotshots LLC

chadcollins

Well, I sure do appreciate the information. My Dad and half of my family has been in the trucking industry all my life. None of them ever really did Hotshots, but they still follow pretty much the same rules. I can get my CDL without a problem, I just really didn't want to unless it was really necessary. I didn't want to have to run Log Books and all that BS. Like you said though, I think in the end it would surely pay off. It is a bit of a hassle, but it's worth it. My cousin and I were thinking about hauling cars as well. How does hauling cars work, as far as pay goes? Do you charge per mile? Do you make a percentage? Do you think it pays better than hauling everyday stuff that HOTSHOTS haul? Once again, I appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Chad

Tom Cobb

You have to maintain log books under or over 26,000 lbs. Everything is the same except for over 26,000 you have to have an IFTA sticker and the accompanying logs as you drive thru each state and the apportion plates and the logs for them by state.

Over 26,001 lbs requires a Class A cdl.

chadcollins

Ohhh, so you have to run logs no matter what? I didn't know that. I should have though, because I would be a commercial driver. I just never really put 2 and 2 together. Well, I think I will just go ahead and get my CDL and do it up right. I appreciate all the help guys.

Thanks,
Chad

JimHolsbeck · Hauling Cars

I don't haul anything that isn't cod, certified bank check or cash, unless it is a large dealer or an auction. I maintain very few accounts with people, because in the end, it just doesn't pay to chase money from a bad debtor. you'll end up spending more time and effort and money than they will probably owe you anyway. as far as cars v.s. flat loads... seriously, to make cars pay you have to expend so much time and energy looking for ones that pay good, and dealing with so many people, that I am personally beginning to really look at going with a flat. If you are around a few good auctions, and you can get a few dealers to use you, there is good money in it. we were grossing a little more than 130,000 a year in MO when we were there, but it took three years to get there. You'll probably hear all kinds of debate on cars v.s. flat, but personally, I'm leaning towards going to flat.

chadcollins

Thanks again for the info. I am sooo confused on which one to go for. I love cars. Cars are my number one passion and love in life which makes me think I would enjoy hauling them. However, this is not about what I want, it's about what I need, to make the money. I am leaning a lot further towards a flatbed than a car hauler. $130k gross doesn't sound bad. What would you put in your pocket after everything was said and done, about $70-80k? that's not bad money at all, but is it worth the headache? I also understand that I am not going to get rich quick doing this. Our truck payments are $850 per month, our insurance is $800 per month and of course we have to factor in fuel, tires, oil changes and general maintenance. So, I know we are going to have to do some major shittin' and gettin' to make this work, hence the reason we are doing it as a team. 24/7 operation I suppose. We are supposed to be deciding on a trailer this week and picking it up no later than this weekend. I am excited, but still very nervous. I am going to keep my head up high and try to do everything I can to make this work. I am only 21 so it is going to be tough to find people that trust me to haul their goods, but all I can do is try. Thanks for all the advice you guys have given me.

Thanks so much!
Chad

JimHolsbeck

Well.... grossng 130 or so, you put a bit in your pocket... but it's more like in the 50's to 60's, depending on the price of fuel, what happens with your truck, maintenance, all of that. for instance, I just spent almost 3000 on my truck last week, tires, new 4" exhaust to help combat the record heat we've been having, that sort of thing. with the cost of fuel now, it gets harder to firm up that bottom line. this is the best job you'll ever hate. Very Happy

Seriously though, keep this in mind... if you don't have a DOT legal sleeper on your truck, you CAN NOT legally operate as a team. My dad and mom used to do that pulling camp trailers until they got put out of service in OK. DOT regs say that without a legal sleeper, the co-driver is on-duty not-driving. (4-door p.u. or extended cab don't count as legal...sucks, huh?) you got the right attitude, so keep on. I run into internet service pretty sparrodically, but if i can help answer a question or anything give me a holler...218.310.4871 or another good one is Gary at MHLogistics. he's a super nice guy to talk to, and he probably has forgotten more about hotshotting than you or I will ever know.

mhlogistics

Who says you can't mix it up? I do, I pull vehicles and freight. I preffer freight but when the freights not moving I'll pull cars. You need to be versital in this business to make any money. Good Luck, Gary M&H Logistics.

chadcollins

chadcollins

mhlogistics

Thanks for the compliment, we try to keep it cleaned up.

This truck is bone stock, absolutley no modifications have been done to the drive train or suspension. I have this truck registered at 30,000 gvw and I have other owner operators that work with me registered upto 36,000 gvw with the same truck. We scaled it loaded once and it was 28,600 and pulled like a dream. Most of the loads we pull with it are around 10,000 lbs. This 3 axle trailer has a 21,000 gvw. This trailer weighs 6200lbs from the factory, 36' long deck by 100" wide except between the fenders. We like it much better then the standard 40' deck over goosenecks that's commonly seen behind these trucks. Most of the standard 40' goosenecks you see on the road weigh between 9,000 and 10,000 lbs. I'd rather be getting paid to drag that extra 3800lbs of weight. Works well for us!

JimHolsbeck · Suspension

That is a really nice rig Gary. I just came out of TX today with 2 '06 1-ton chevy vans and an '06 trailblazer on and when I weighed at the truck stop I was 32,300#. (I'm registered 33,000#) and my '01 dodge is bone stock as well and it works like a dream. I wouldn't worry about the suspension on a Dodge. I weigh 15,180# empty, so I was pulling around 17,000#. I don't like to put that much on on a regular basis, but it is nice to know you can.

mhlogistics

Jim we allways hear of people having trouble with there 1 ton trucks, injectors, fuel pumps, transmissions and such and dealerships and manufacturers not standing behind there warrantees. When we ask why? we allways find out that the owner did some modifications to his truck like trying to boost horse power or increase fuel mileage with after market products. We just don't see a need for it.

Good looking settup you have there also. Enjoy your weekend.

chadcollins

Beautiful setups on both of y'all. I can't wait to get my setup all taken care of and get everything on it like I want it.

I don't think I am going to do many if any mods on my truck. If I do anything I might install a Jake on it. I know it sounds like a redneck thing to do, but I plan on doing a lot of runs to Colorado, Wyoming and all those mountan states, so I don't wanna have to hit a runaway ramp. I don't even know if I will put one on there. I might though, we shall see.

So, I was reading the other day that these C4500 Crew Cab GMC's only have 300HP. I don't get that. The one tons are half the size and they have 325HP. I was just wondering why that is. Maybe it's because the C4500 has a lot more torque and doesn't need the extra HP? Hell, I don't know. I won't ever buy one, I just found it interesting that a much larger truck had less HP.

Thanks again for y'all's advice. I appreciate all the help. You guys really have helped me out a ton. I have nobody else to talk to!

Thanks,
Chad

Weight

RE:Weight

Hauling Cars

Suspension